Tag Archive for: color management

It’s Thanksgiving, so we’re discussing all things labeling that we’re thankful for, especially when it comes to building authentic connections between brands and shoppers. As a result, shoppers get more value out of products and brands outshine their competition. So, as you read this, consider the ways your labels give you an advantage. Also, consider the ways in which your competition is outshining you with these methods. Some are simple and even free! There’s no reason you can’t adopt them moving into the new year.

Why We’re Thankful

As we mentioned, good label design is win-win for both the customers and the brand. That’s why this post reshares some of the most impactful ways to beat out your competition. Thoughtful and value-oriented design can mean something different for each industry and even each brand. So, the next time you’re designing or redesigning a label, consider the added value you can create.

Innovative Labeling Techniques

Innovative labeling techniques range from simple foiling to tactile coatings, and even holographic patterns. They enhance fonts, create lifelike graphics, but also add a luxury element to a design. As a result, techniques are extremely versatile in enhancing any branding. Regardless of how they’re used, they communicate that an immense amount of care went into creating the product. Plus, they create haptic interest and the more shoppers pick up your items, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

Resealable Labels Produce Fresh Products

Whether you’re trying to keep produce fresh, or wet wipes moist, effective resealable labels are key. A label that reduces its tack over time means air gets into the package and ruins the product. So, ensure each and every use is like the very first time. Plus, ensure the pull tab offers ease in opening. You want your product to be accessible too after all. Again, creating a quality resealable label adds value to the product and provides customers with a greater sense of satisfaction in using the product.

Expanded Content

Booklet-style labels offer more pages to provide customers with information on the product and other added values. Labeling design space often feels limited as space is usually small. However, once panels open up to reveal more space, brief tutorials, translations, content links, and more can be provided. So, instead of trying to cram as much information on a front-facing label, it now is intelligently segmented. As a result, this makes it easier for customers to digest the information as well. Now there’s no need to skimp out on details. You can provide each customer with greater value.

Labeling Technology

In the same regard, link to more content using NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, or even simple URLs. Now content space is digitally limitless, and so are the means of engagement. From video tutorials, to blog posts, or even branded apps, provide customers with value throughout the lifecycle of the item they’ve purchased. QR codes and URLs are even free to add! So brands just need to carve out a small space to include the graphic or text. That’s a simple investment when you consider the customer payoff. You’ll help customers find more value in your item, create a greater sense of brand loyalty, and even outshine your competition in-store.

Durable Label Stocks

If your product is bound to get wet, even through condensation, ensure it will withstand moisture. The WetStick label uses such a strong adhesive chemistry that it can even be applied underwater! So, no more peeling or disintegrating labels. Again, it’s all about providing value and care. Show customers you’re committed to giving them the best experience possible when they use your products. It’s a simple touch that goes a long way.

Authenticity in Design

This is much more intangible but also makes all the difference. Is your brand trying to mimic others in your industry or simply working to keep up with the latest trends? You might find your labels falling flat if that’s the case. As a result of mimicking, you’re not finding authentic value for your items and for your customers. Once you figure out what sets your brand apart, maximize it. Lean into humor, sophistication, or local flare. Enhance that with the content you share on your label or the art style you use. Once you create labels from that authentic voice, shoppers will take notice and the right demographic will appreciate what your brand stands for.

Developments in Sustainability

Sustainability is critical. That’s why FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and recyclable label stocks are becoming more and more popular. Again, this aligns with shoppers’ values and provides them with added benefits. Little changes like the label stock you use end up creating a massive overall impact. Once simple change at a time. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of foiling, it still excites shoppers to see positive changes made.

Accuracy & Consistency in Label Printing

Color management is a crucial component to printing professional grade labels, but also for building trust with shoppers. In fact, customers are far less likely to buy an item from the shelf if the group of products features inconsistent color. We use a spectrophotometer which digitally tests color for consistency. So, everytime you print, you can count on it matching every single other batch of labels.

Pantone: The Game via http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2018/8/27/color-nerds-rejoice-theres-now-a-pantone-the-game

More About The Game

The premise is that players are given a character to design using the colors provided in the box. Then, on the card, hints are available to help the players guess at who the character is. It’s minimalism at its finest. As a result, people begin to think of their feet and experience a truly creative moment.

How This Impacts Label Design

Of course, this activity gets people thinking about color and minimalism in a new way. However, it also gets people to focus on solving a problem, working together, and designing with the tools given to them.

Or, consider the practical application. Do you need to describe a new label in a pinch? Grab some cards and lay it all out for people to better visualize.

A Bit About Color Management

With Pantone colors, every label prints with consistent color each and every time. Then, on the label press, a digital tool called a spectrophotometer checks the color to make sure it lines up with what was specified in the original design. When customers see a color inconsistency in the grocery aisle, they lose faith in the brand and choose a more professional looking brand. Don’t get left behind. Pay attention to color.

Learn more about how we can bring your wildest label design concepts and durability requirements to life. While techniques are important and exciting, there’s so much more to your label. Download our Label Project Guide e-book.

Australia’s decision to use plain, brown packages for cigarette packaging to deter smokers re-ignites an interesting conversation to choose colors with impact. What best suits your packaging and also compliments your brand? Thanks to social conditioning and even natural associations, colors have a big impact on label design. The below graphic highlights what colors to use depending on the area of your business.

Time To Choose Colors

Use the above graphic to choose colors best associated with your product. The answer may have surprised you, or perhaps you disagree completely.

So, about brown packaging discouraging cigarette purchases…

So, this isn’t the be all and end all of the color association, however, it does instead provide a lot of valuable insight into design. What’s funny is that this graphic shows that brown also makes people think of delicious food. That’s certainly not the message the Australian government is trying to send with deterring smokers.

This raises an interesting question. Can color association vary person to person, upbringing to upbringing? That’s a likely possibility. Of course, testing and gathering feedback is a valuable tool in getting valuable insight, targeting the direction of your product’s design.

Q: I’ve been hearing the term, “color management”. What is it and why is it so important?

A: Color management means a brand reproduces color accurately on each and every label. In short, a print facility that has a secure process ensures all your finished labels look the same regardless of when it was printed. It even creates brand consistency and appeal. Meaning, shoppers view your brand as more trustworthy.

Quality color management requires specific scientific tools to measure, control and accurately reproduce color. Tools like a spectrophotometer measure color while taking different textures of stock into consideration. For instance, color printed on a glossy texture appears differently than the color printed on a matte stock. Color management and color consistency are especially crucial for brands who rely on specific colors for brand recall and identification. For smaller brands or companies, color consistency gives your brand or product a professional and appealing look.

Q: How Do Innovative Techniques Like Foiling Come Into Play?

It’s easy to also match foiling to your brand’s color scheme. The precision of MiraFoil, an ink-based foil, allows for Pantone matched color on intricate designs. No matter what innovative techniques are used, do it in a way that serves the whole product design. Also easily enhance brand logos without losing recognition.

Embossing and tactile coatings don’t change the color of the printed label. Even rarer techniques such as Cast & Cure and Motion Coat don’t detract the established brand. If anything, the textures, and holographic techniques even enhance the established design. The possibilities are endless.

Learn more about how we can bring your wildest label design concepts and durability requirements to life. While techniques are important and exciting, there’s so much more to your label. Download our Label Project Guide e-book.

Categories

About Great Lakes Label

We at Great Lakes Label proudly declare our personal commitment to understand our customers’ requirements while meeting or exceeding their expectations through the continuous improvement of our
manufacturing processes.